When it comes to affordable and satisfying fast food, CookOut has mastered the game. Their famous Cook Out Tray is one of the best deals in the industry—a complete meal that lets you choose one entrée, two sides, and a drink for a low price. But did you know there are tons of menu hacks, upgrades, and customization tricks to get the most out of your tray? Here’s how to personalize your Cook Out Tray like a seasoned regular.
What Is a Cook Out Tray?
The Cook Out Tray is a value meal that includes:
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1 Main Item (like a burger, BBQ sandwich, or quesadilla)
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2 Side Items (which can be traditional sides or even smaller entrées!)
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1 Drink (which can be upgraded to a famous milkshake for a small fee)
This menu format gives you incredible flexibility, especially if you’re feeding a big appetite or want to try a little of everything.
Choose the Right Entrée
Your tray starts with the main dish. Here are some popular choices:
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Cook Out Style Burger – Topped with chili, slaw, mustard, and onions
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Chicken Quesadilla – A cheesy, grilled favorite
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Hot Dog – You can dress it up with over 40 topping combinations
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BBQ Sandwich – Cook Out’s take on Southern pulled pork
Pro Tip: If you're hungry, go for a double burger or chicken strips. You can also ask for grilled or Cajun-spiced options to mix up the flavor.
Pick the Best Sides
This is where Cook Out shines. Unlike other fast food chains, you can select sides that feel like full entrées. Choose from:
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Corn dog
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Chicken nuggets
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Cheese bites
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Hush puppies
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Onion rings
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Slaw
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Fries (regular or Cajun style)
Upgrade Your Drink for Maximum Flavor
Every tray comes with a drink, but most fans recommend upgrading to one of Cook Out’s over 40 hand-spun milkshakes. Top flavors include:
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Peanut butter banana
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Oreo mint
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Strawberry cheesecake
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Mocha
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Banana fudge
Seasonal shakes like watermelon (summer) or pumpkin pie (fall) make the upgrade even more tempting.
Add-on Hacks to Elevate Your Tray
Cook Out is known for being flexible. Here are a few custom tray hacks to try:
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Double up on sauces: Ask for extra ranch, honey mustard, or Cook Out sauce.
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Combo flavors: Mix milkshake flavors (like chocolate and cherry) for a unique treat.
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Go spicy: Cajun seasoning is available on fries, chicken, and even burgers—just ask!
Save Money Without Sacrificing Flavor
Even with an upgraded milkshake, your entire tray will usually cost under $8. That’s a serious bargain considering the portion sizes and variety. If you’re feeding a family or trying to budget, ordering two trays with different items and sharing can give you a full Cook Out spread on a dime.
Final Thoughts
Customizing your Cook Out Tray is all about knowing the menu and not being afraid to ask for changes. From picking unique flavor combos to mixing up your sides and drinks, there’s no limit to how creative you can get. Whether you're a first-timer or a loyal fan, learning to build your tray like a pro ensures every visit is both delicious and satisfying.
So next time you pull up to that iconic red-and-white drive-thru, remember these tips to maximize your Cook Out menu experience. You'll leave full, happy, and maybe even with leftovers.
